According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s office, Heche died of “inhalation and thermal injuries” following a disastrous vehicle crash on August 5, 2022. In addition, the report also lists “sternal fracture due to blunt trauma” as another significant factor. As a result of the causes found, her death was ruled an accident, with the official date recorded as August 11—when it was determined she had no brain function—although she was not removed from life support until August 14 after having spent several days in a coma. Heche was “not expected to survive” following the collision. “Unfortunately, due to her accident, Anne suffered a severe anoxic brain injury and remains in a coma, in critical condition,” Heche’s rep said in a statement at the time. The Another World star’s Mini Cooper smashed into a home causing “structural compromise and erupting in heavy fire,” the L.A. Fire Department said of the harrowing accident. Since the devastating news, many friends and fellow celebrities have come out expressing their sadness for the loss, including Chicago P.D. costar Jesse Lee Soffer, Robert De Niro, and ex, Ellen DeGeneres. The actress’ oldest son Homer also spoke out, expressing his and younger brother Atlas’ deep sorrow after losing their mother. “Hopefully my mom is free from pain and beginning to explore what I like to imagine as her eternal freedom,” he said. “Anne had a huge heart and touched everyone she met with her generous spirit,” her family released in a statement, per Parade’s previous report. “More than her extraordinary talent, she saw spreading kindness and joy as her life’s work—especially moving the needle for acceptance of who you love. She will be remembered for her courageous honesty and dearly missed for her light.” Heche had recently finished filming Lifetime movie Girl in Room 13—an exploration of the dark underworld of the $150 billion human-trafficking industry—which was originally set to premiere in September. More News: Alexis Bledel Splits From Husband Vincent Kartheiser After 8 Years A Shocking Upset! Find Out Who Went Home on ‘AGT’ Results Night Two and Who Made the Finale! Savannah Guthrie Opens Up About Bonding With Hoda Kotb
